(A/N: Sorry I haven't updated at a while, I've sorta been blocked!)


Manny was deep in conversation with one of Liberty's friends Duke when she saw Craig flirting with some waitress that was asking for his autograph. He hadn't even said one thing to Manny, maybe a nod in her direction, or a wave, but no word was spoken. Toby had left the party quite early, he gave Manny a quick hug as he exited and then she diverted her attention to Duke. Duke was a Medical graduate from Yale, and worked in the same field as Liberty. They had struck up a conversation about spouse abuse, and Manny was really beginning to enjoy Duke's company until she saw Craig flirting with that waitress. That waitress was a What Not to Wear victim in waiting. She had dyed blonde hair, and as her hair was pulled in a ponytail, you could see her disgusting black roots. She wore fire-engine red press-on nails that went at least a few inches out, and she wore gallons of make-up.

"It's a very sad thing", Duke droned on, Manny nodded, acting as if she was fairly interested in the topic at the moment, "To hear people's stories".

"Very sad", Manny echoed, her eyes still transfixed on the waitress and Craig, he was now whispering in her ear, her giggles could be heard miles away, Manny looked in Duke's direction again, "Do you mind if I open this present?" She looked at Jhordan's present on the table.

Duke nodded, "Go ahead".

She grinned and reached for Jhordan's box that was tied with red ribbon, she lightly undid the ribbon and set it on the table, and then she opened the box, inside was a silver locket. Manuela; the outside read, she opened the silver locket, inside there was a picture of Manny's first ever picture. Manuela Santos: The World's Inspiration was in scripted on the other side, smiling she put the necklace around her neck. Duke looked at the locket.

"Is he your boyfriend?" he asked, rather anxiously.

Manny shook her head, "More like best friend. He was the one who made me such a successful model", she looked to see Craig and the waitress making out, "Have you ever been to a Calvin Klein party?" She asked Duke, her eyes crossed over to Craig.

Calvin Klein through the best parties, last year, his party in Tokyo was covered in People, and Time magazines around the globe. Jhordan was close friends with Calvin Klein's publicist and was often invited to his parties. Manny was ordered to tag along at first, to 'learn the trick of the trade'. Soon, she decided to tag along just for fun. It was her excuse for getting drunk.

This year, Calvin Klein's party in New York was just like the rest, over the top and classy at the same time. Interesting displays of artwork adorned the loft in various colors, shapes and directions. Manny's arm was linked in Duke's as they made their way through the throng of people, dancing and chatting in numerous rooms. Manny looked up at Duke, his eyes sparkling. They finally made their way to a bar, and sat down next to each other.

"I don't really drink", Duke swallowed, "I'm not the drinking type".

"Come on", Manny got two bottles of vodka, "It's not poison". She put a swing in her mouth and smiled.

Duke shrugged, "It does serious damage to your heart".

"Only if you drink too much", Manny looked up at Duke, "Please? For me?"

Duke sighed, "Alright". He took a sip, and closed his eyes tightly.

"You can't handle it?" Manny teased.

Duke pushed the bottle in front of him, "I'm man enough to admit, that I'm not an alcohol person".

"That's good", Manny downed more vodka, as she set the bottle on the table; she turned to see Craig and the waitress from the restaurant make their way onto the dance floor. What is he doing here? She wondered, thus realizing Calvin Klein had a fetish for rock stars, she reached for Duke's hand.

"Let's go dance", Manny told Duke softly, but sternly.

He nodded and escorted her onto the dance floor. Electrifying, techno music filled the speakers as Duke and Manny danced with each other. Manny's eyes were always on Craig and the waitress. She wasn't sure of Craig even noticed she was here, but she would make him notice. As the beat of the music accelerated, Manny began to dance closer to Duke, the way she remembered she dance with Craig at the rave. Duke was pushed out of his comfort zone.

"Manny", Duke cleared his throat, "Manny, it's almost midnight. I have to work early tomorrow morning".

Manny saw Craig's eyes were finally on her and Duke, and when she was positive that he was watching them, she thrust her arms around Duke's neck and kissed him passionately on the lips, her eyes were tightly shut to make it seem as if she had enjoyed it, but in reality it made her feel like a slut.


(A/N: Please leave your comments!)